Through personal interviews, mothers recalled specific experiences that helped them to develop strong and meaningful working relationships with the practitioners who came to their home. They identified ways in which practitioners helped them develop confidence in caring for their infants and toddlers. They spoke about the deeply meaningful experience of sharing stories, with practitioners who really listened, about their babies and about themselves.

In summary, mothers’ words enrich and affirm professionals’ understanding of the sum and substance of effective infant mental health home visiting practice, providing evidence of what, from a parent’s perspective, is best practice.